Natural Pet Health Blog

A mammal’s body is very complex. It involves a series of preset and complicated actions, reactions and reciprocal actions. These processes are carried out between the various body systems that work together to keep the body functioning properly.

Overall health can be maintained only by ensuring a fine balance between the enzymes, hormones, and various other chemical compounds that are responsible for metabolic activity. Though the mammalian body has been designed to maintain this fine balance, some external or internal factors can disturb the balance causing ailments, diseases, and other conditions. These factors include trauma, disease, age, diet, or a change in the internal chemical environment.

Cushing’s disease in dogs is one such disorder that results in the over production of corticosteroids. It can be caused by an ACTH producing tumor in the pituitary gland or a corticosteroid-producing tumor in the adrenalin glands. In some cases, Cushing’s disease can also be caused by an over dosage of external synthetic corticosteroids.

Hyperadrenocorticism in a dog can cause overall health to rapidly deteriorate. It also affects the Immune System significantly making it easy for various other infections to affect the dog.

Knowing the symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs helps in identifying the problem at an early stage. This may help in making the overall treatment a much easier process. The following are some of the signs to look for in your dog.

Potbelly

Cortisones weaken abdominal muscles. Therefore, the muscles lose the ability to hold the stomach in tight to the body. The Obesity caused by a large hanging stomach is augmented by an enlarged liver. As the muscle mass shrinks, the limbs weaken. Towards the later stages of the disease, the legs become too weak to support the weight of the obese body.

Skin and hair problems

Excessive levels of corticosteroids affect overall skin health. The skin becomes thinner and is more prone to frequent abrasions, and recurrent infections. The thinning of the skin also causes significant and noticeable Hair Loss.

Increased appetite, drinking, and urination

There is a marked increase in appetite. The frequency of thirst and urination can frustrate extremely patient dog owners. Excessive urination makes dogs vulnerable to Urinary Tract Infections. This can lead to further complications for the dog.

Energy loss

Cushing’s disease drains energy. Lethargy sets in and exercise becomes impossible. The lack of exercise also causes many behavioral problems like irritability, Biting, and snapping.

Cushing’s disease is a serious condition for your pet. It has the potential to cause further ailments like Diabetes, high blood pressure, Heart Conditions and diseases of the Nervous system. Therefore, it is vital that you insist on full laboratory tests if you suspect that your dog may in fact have Cushing’s disease.

Sources http://www.wedgewoodpharmacy.com http://www.vetinfo.com http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov http://dogs.about.com http://www.2ndchance.info http://www.seefido.com http://www.kateconnick.com

—–

Pamper Your Dog: 130 Treats for Your Canine Friend - Free Ebook > http://www.remedies...-dog-130-recipes.pdf

Pamper Your Cat: 100 Treats for Your Feline Friend - Free Ebook > http://www.remedies...-cat-100-recipes.pdf

For Guaranteed, Effective, 100% Natural Herbal Remedies for Pets, please visit PetAlive!

Does your pet need a new Collar or Leash? How about a beautiful winter coat or a fashionable outfit? Perfectly Pampered Pets is Pet’s #1 Choice in Fashion and Great Gifts for Your Pampered Pet!

An I.D. Tag can save your pet’s life or bring him home again. Visit Tags For Pets now!

Last 5 posts in Dogs & Puppies

• Taking a Bite Out of Food Borne Illness - May 15th, 2008
• When Their Bark Isn’t Worse Than Their Bite - May 13th, 2008
• Symptoms of liver disease in dogs - May 6th, 2008
• Herbal Skincare for Pets - May 4th, 2008
• Swamp Cancer in dogs - May 3rd, 2008

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!